Amazon just sealed the deal on a partnership with 11,000 public libraries in the United States to allow Kindle owners to visit and check out books using their ereaders, straight from the library's web site. Just make sure to have your library card handy.

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The process is simple: supported libraries will allow users to visit their web site, enter their library card number, find the books they want to read, and click "send to kindle" to have the book transferred to their Kindle ereader or smartphone running the Kindle mobile app.

The libraries have control over which titles are available and how long the book will be "lent out" to you, but when the lending period is up, the book will vanish and automatically be "checked in" at the library again. Sony Reader and Barnes and Noble Nook owners have had this ability at some libraries for a while now, but adding the Kindle to the list is another step towards getting more people involved and engaged with their public libraries.

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Do you use your ereader at your public library? Share your experiences in the comments below. Photo by Zhao.